Break-in suspect sent to jail

November 6, 2013

IRON MOUNTAIN - A Norway teen who committed multiple breaking and enterings and thefts throughout Dickinson County will spend the next 12 months in jail.

Article Photos

Nikki Younk/Daily News PhotoCody Howorth, left, appears for sentencing in Dickinson County Circuit Court with his attorney Daniel Jaspen. Howorth will spend one year in jail for multiple breaking and entering and theft charges.

Cody Howorth, 17, was sentenced Tuesday on one felony count of breaking and entering a building, one felony count of larceny from a motor vehicle, one felony count of breaking and entering a vehicle causing damage, and one misdemeanor count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

The charges, along with nine others that were dismissed in a plea deal, stem from incidents that occurred between July 23 and Aug. 3 in Iron Mountain, Kingsford, and Norway.

According to the criminal complaints in the cases, Howorth and three juvenile co-defendants broke into garages, vehicles, and the Kingsford High School concession stand in order to steal items such as car stereos, skate boards, cigarettes, money, ice cream, and sports drinks.

Howorth and his co-defendants also took off-road vehicles from a Norway business without permission and drove them through Hanbury Lake Park, the complaint states.

During the sentencing hearing in Dickinson County Circuit Court, Howorth's attorney Daniel Jaspen told the court that his client was an honor student at Norway High School and has a supportive family.

"Frankly, why he would engage in this kind of behavior is a mystery to me," he said.

Jaspen emphasized that Howorth understands that he is responsible for his actions and is ready to accept the consequences.

Dickinson County Prosecutor Lisa Richards pointed out that Howorth's crimes may not have been violent, but they did "terrorize" the community.

"Twenty victims have lost their sense of security," she said.

Richards added that she does not believe that Howorth is a lost cause, but that he deserves a second chance.

When given a chance to address the court, Howorth apologized.

"I would just like to say I'm sorry for the events that have taken place here," he said.

Judge Mary Barglind was encouraged by Howorth's status as an honor student, his family's support, and his lack of substance abuse. However, she was concerned that he had some juvenile convictions on his record.

Judge Barglind decided to accept the recommended sentence of 12 months in jail with credit for 84 days already served, three years of probation, and restitution in the amount of $2,596.87.

Howorth was also granted Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) status.

Defendants who are placed under HYTA will not have a felony criminal record if they successfully complete all probation requirements. Only defendants between the ages of 17 and 20 are eligible for HYTA.

Due to their ages, Howorth's co-defendants were dealt with in Dickinson County Circuit Court's Family Division. The co-defendants include a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy from Williston, N.D. and a 16-year-old boy from Quinnesec.